SUSPENDS DENVER BRONCOS PLAYER FOR VIOLATING LEAGUE GAMBLING RULES
Eyioma Uwazurike, a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos, is the most recent victim of the NFL’s probe into player gambling.
Due to his violation of the league’s gambling code by placing bets on games during the 2022 campaign, Uwazurike has been placed on indefinite leave of absence.
He can apply for reinstatement in July 2024.
The Broncos said in a statement, per Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post:
“We were informed by the NFL today that Eyioma Uwazurike has been suspended by the league indefinitely for violating its gambling policy. Our organization fully cooperated with this investigation and takes matters pertaining to the integrity of the game very seriously. The Denver Broncos will continue to provide all members of our organization with the necessary education, resources and support to ensure compliance with the NFL’s Gambling Policy.”
Denver selected Uwazurike in the fourth round of the 2022 draft out of Iowa State. He appeared in eight games as a rookie, posting one pass breakup, 17 tackles and two quarterback hits.
The NFL launched an investigation into gambling across the league earlier this summer, and Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported in June that the probe “could implicate a healthy number of guys from across the league.”
Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry and free agent Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely by the NFL last month for betting on games during the 2022 season. The Colts have since released Rodgers and Berry.
Free agents Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore, who previously played for the Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were also suspended indefinitely in April.
The NFL also suspended Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams and free agent Stanley Berryhill for six games in 2023 for placing bets on non-league games at the team’s facility.
The NFL is a major partner in the sports-betting industry, but it has strict gambling rules for its players. The league began reinforcing its gambling policy earlier this offseason, making sure players are aware they cannot:
- Bet on NFL games or place bets at team facilities, while traveling or staying at a team hotel.
- Have someone else bet for them.
- Share team “inside information.”
- Enter a sportsbook during the NFL season.
- Play daily fantasy football.
With the NFL season inching closer, it’s possible more suspensions could be on the horizon as the league continues its probe.
DEN vs LVJanuary 7 1:25 pmREAD MORENFL suspends Broncos’ Kareem Jackson after illegal hit to Vikings QB Dobbs
Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson drew a four-game suspension from the NFL after delivering a helmet-to-head hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs in Sunday’s victory. File Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 20 (UPI) — Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has been suspended without pay for four games for “repeated violations” of NFL player safety rules, the league announced Monday. The NFL announced the move after Jackson leveled a helmet-to-head hit against Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs on the first series of downs during Sunday night’s game in Denver.
Jackson was not penalized by game officials after the hit, which resulted in a recovered fumble and an eventual field goal in the Broncos’ 21-20 victory over Minnesota.
Jackson was just coming off a two-game suspension handed down after a Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers in which he was cited for violations of unnecessary roughness rules. He had originally earned a four-game suspension for that incident, which was later reduc
elated
- Cowboys RB Ronald Jones II suspended 2 games for violating NFL PED policy
- NFL suspends Broncos’ Eyioma Uwazurike indefinitely for gambling
- Raiders WR Davante Adams charged with assault after pushing photographer
Jackson was also disqualified from a Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders for what NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan called a “similarly flagrant hit” and was subsequently fined.
In handing down the suspension, Runyan told Jackson he engaged in a “serious violation of the playing rules,” with videos revealing that he lowered his head and “made forcible contact” with Dobbs despite having “an unobstructed path” to his opponent that made the illegal contact unnecessary.
“On the play in question, you lowered your head and delivered a forceful blow to the shoulder and head/neck area of an opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact,” Runyan said. “You could have made contact with your opponent within the rules, yet you chose not to.” Jackson will be eligible to return to the Broncos’ active roster following the team’s Week 15 game against Detroit. He may also appeal the suspension under the terms of labor agreement with the NFL Players Association.
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Denver Broncos defensive end, Eyioma Uwazurike, will miss the entire upcoming National Football League season after being banned for betting on games last season, the league said Monday.
The NFL said Uwazurike had been given an indefinite suspension for placing bets on games in breach of league gambling rules.
A statement from the league said Uwazurike would not be eligible to apply for reinstatement to the league until July 24, 2024 at the earliest.
The 25-year-old Uwazurike made eight appearances for the Broncos last year in his debut season after being chosen in the fourth round of the draft with the 116th overall pick.
Related News Uwazurike is one of a slew of NFL players who have been handed suspensions recently for breaches of strict league rules forbidding gambling by players.
Indianapolis duo Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry were suspended last month along with free agent Demetrius Taylor.
Four members of the Detroit Lions were suspended in April along with a member of the Washington Commanders.